New Year, Fresh Outlook...By: Susan Ramirez

picture from: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ReviewPhotos-g34227-d633477-r7476815-Cocobelle_Resort-Fort_Lauderdale_Florida.html

Happy New Year everyone!

  I'm sure you're all off to a running start as you get back to work or school. First year Biomeds are now in the second half of Anatomy and Histology, and second year research students are well underway in their projects. 

  As my post-vacation serenity started to slowly give way with the rush of school, I decided to try new ways of kicking back and catching my breath. Learning is a priority in my life but burnout can make me lose sight of my goals (& lose my mind!). 

 Well, a few months ago a friend asked me a question about a park I walk through everyday. I was embarrassed that after living in Philly for over 10 years, she knew more about that park than I did. So, I'm checking out these "attractions" soon to learn more about my city. 

• Mummer's museum: The Mummers are a group of 10,000 people (yes, ten thousand!) that dress up and orchestrate a parade down Broad St. to welcome the New Year. The parade has been a Philly tradition since the 1800s, and it's rooted in the traditions of Philly's earliest settlers. Tickets are under $5 for adults. http://phillymummers.com/index.php  http://www.mummersmuseum.com/home.html
• Federal Donuts: This is Philly's new Chicken & Donuts food spot. I know it's not the healthiest of food choices but there's something about well-seasoned crispy (chicken) skin that makes my mouth water. I also don't want to pass up the challenge of getting in line early enough to actually get some chicken! This is just one of many of Philly's family-owned food spots, and in the heart of South Philly. http://federaldonuts.com/main.html

  If volunteering is more your thing, here are a couple of opportunities that I’m a part of:

• Puentes De Salud: http://www.puentesdesalud.org/welcome
• Puentes Hacía el Futuro: https://sites.google.com/site/puentestutor/

You can also find more opportunities here: http://www.uwsepa.org/

And take a break to check out this year’s student production of the Vagina Monologues, February 11^th @7pm or February 12^th @2pm.  Learn more about V-Day here: http://www.vday.org/spotlight2012

I hope to keep work-life balance a regular priority and part of my lifestyle rather than a New Year's resolution (you know- “in” for January, out by February). Leave a comment to let me know what you guys do to unwind, I’m always up to try something new!